Metabolomics, Genetics, and Environmental Factors: Intersecting Paths in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm represents a significant public health concern, particularly in men aged 55 to 64, where it occurs in about 1%. We investigated the metabolomics and genetics of AAA by analyzing a cohort including 76 patients with AAA and randomly selected 228 controls. Utilizing the Metabolon DiscoveryHD4 platform for non-targeted metabolomics profiling, we identified several novel metabolites significantly associated with AAA. These metabolites were primarily related to environmental and lifestyle factors, notably smoking and pesticide exposure, which underscores the influence of external factors on the progression of AAA. Additionally, several genetic variants were associated with xenobiotics, highlighting a genetic predisposition that may exacerbate the effects of these environmental exposures. The integration of metabolomic and genetic data provides compelling evidence that lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors are intricately linked to the etiology of AAA. The results of our study not only deepen the understanding of the complex pathophysiology of AAA but also pave the way for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.